At a glance…
- Legendary star of the screen, Sam Neill, has died aged 78.
- The news was announced on the actor’s Instagram page.
- Fans, friends, loved ones, and collaborators reached out to pay tribute to the late New Zealand star.
Legendary actor Sam Neill, beloved for his role in Jurassic Park, has sadly passed away, aged 78.
The devastating news was shared on Sam’s Instagram by an undisclosed source.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” the statement read.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.
“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss,” it concluded.
Sam has an abundance of loved ones, from his close-knit family of five to an incredible career spanning 55 years. Many of his loved ones have shared tributes in Sam’s memory.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared a statement on X, writing: “Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts.
“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance. He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”
Hannah Diviney, who worked on The Twelve alongside Sam, reflected on the “shockingly sad” news of his passing with a “goofie selfie” from their time on set.
“This goofy selfie is what he insisted on taking after I asked him for a photo to celebrate wrapping The Twelve. A testament to his well-hidden but wicked sense of humour, deployed in moments when you least expected it,” she began. “Working with Sam, even in the small capacity that I did, was an immense privilege. The first time my extended family had ever really been impressed 😂 – they’re big Jurassic Park fans.
“I learnt so much from watching him and felt like the only thing I had to focus on when acting with him was making sure I absorbed whatever he gave me, both in his performance and in the quiet, steady dignity he carried himself with.
“It wasn’t an easy time for him on set; he was still receiving treatment then and was understandably exhausted but I never heard him complain. Always stoic and laser focused on the job at hand, giving the audience, crew and other actors the best performance he could.
“I’ll take what I learned from him with me on every set I go onto, moving forward His loss will leave a crater in our industry and I’m thinking of all who worked with him. Fly high, Sam and rest now. Big love and hugs to his Whānau x,” she concluded.
Fellow actor, Matt Day shared an image from their 2017 film, Sweet Country, with the caption, “A wonderful man. A wonderful life. Immensely grateful to call you my friend. I will miss you terribly. xxxx”
Australian icon, Magda Szubanski, shared a touching video (below) with the caption: “This is just devastating news. An exceptional man- talented, kind, classy, wryly hilarious and loving. Proud cancer survivor. My heart goes out to all Sam’s family and friends. A great loss to the global acting community, Australia and New Zealand, and to ornery ducks.
“God bless you my darling and may flights of angels carry you to those happy paddocks beyond the sky where there will be endless supplies of excellent wine and great company and animals gamboling happily. All my love, Magda 💔💔💔💔”
Rove McManus shared: “Our household has been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @samneilltheprop today at age 78. He was a gentleman, a sweetheart, humble as can be, gracious, giving and a delight to be around. Plus his formidable talent goes without saying. Sending our deepest sympathies from our family to his.”
Australian actor Teresa Palmer worked on the 2019 movie, Ride Like A Girl with the New Zealand actor. In her tribute, the mother-of-five reflected on their time together.
“Absolutely shattered to hear this news. ❤️🩹,” she began on Instagram. “Beautiful Sam… you made me laugh harder than just about anyone. I loved every story you told- especially about your pig and your farm, and the incredible adventures you’d somehow always find yourself on. You squeezed every bit out of life and knew how to truly LIVE it, always with that cheeky grin.
“Thank you for always calling me “kiddo.” Despite having five of my own kiddos, it always made me feel so young 😂 What a joy it was to get to pretend to be your kid on screen.
“This is such a heartbreaking loss for our film industry, for your family, your friends, and everyone whose life you touched- all the countless people across the globe that you made an imprint on. Sending so much love to everyone who knew and loved you. Rest easy, beautiful soul. 🤍” she concluded.
Some others have commented under the initial statement, including Patrick Brammall, Rena Owen, and more.
“In utter shock. Vale beautiful Sam. This is heartbreaking,” Australian star Rebecca Gibney wrote.
The Travellers star Susie Porter wrote: “I am so sad!! What a beautiful soul you were. You will be missed!!”
“This is shocking news. What a legend. Gentle genius. Vale Sam Neill,” Dave Hughes shared.
Chef and wife of fellow actor Richard Roxburgh, Silvia Colloca said: “Deeply, deeply heartbroken. Rox and I loved you very much, dear friend.”
Former Home and Away actor, Debra Lawrence commented: “Such heartbreaking news. Vale beautiful Sam. Deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him. 💔😞”
Radio personality, Amanda Keller shared a flashback image of herself with the actor, captioned: “Devastated to hear of the passing of the suave, hilarious, big hearted gentleman that is Sam Neill. Condolences to all who love him.”
Getaway host Catriona Rowntree commented: “So incredibly sad, Sam has brought so much joy, laughter, knee weakness, to so many of us. Truly adored and a true loss to us all.”
“Such a shock – loved by so many – I’ll be cracking two paddocks tonight,” Rachel Griffiths wrote.
Laura Dern, who starred alongside the actor in the iconic film Jurassic Park, shared numerous posts to her Instagram. Two weeks after his passing, she shared a story of herself and Nicole Kidman enjoying a bottle of Two Paddocks wine together.
“Raising a glass to our beloved friend and leading man, Sam. Just the way he would want, toasting with his gorgeous Pinot.”
